Save on Pool Closing Kits/Winterizing Kits

The leaves have begun to fall in Western Massachusetts, and the temperatures are finally comfortable enough in the evenings that air conditioning is no longer required most nights. Family and neighbors are getting prepared to close their pools for the season.

While it's always sad to see the summer end, knowing you can save on Pool Closing/Winterizing Kits helps ease the pain a bit. Protecting your pool for the winter makes it easier to reopen it in the spring. Visit PoolGear Plus® today to check out their selection of Pool Closing/Winterizing Kits for 10,000, 20,000 and 40,000 gallon pools. Each kit includes:

• Suncoast® Oxidizing Shock & Swim: This full-strength non-chlorine oxidizing pool shock eliminates organic contaminants without affecting pH or chlorine levels.
• Suncoast® Winter Stain & Scale Control: Helps to prevent rust, scale, and corrosion while your pool is closed.
• Suncoast® Winter Algarid: Helps prevent algae growth when your pool is closed. This special formula works even in harsh winters (perfect for us New Englanders).

Act now, and you'll receive FREE Suncoast Oxidizing Shock and Swim with each Pool Closing Kit!

Buy a 10,00 Gallon Winterizing Kit and receive 1 free additional 1-lb. bag Oxidizing Shock & Swim.

Buy a 20,000 Gallon Winterizing Kit and receive 2 free additional 1-lb. bags Oxidizing Shock & Swim.

Buy a 40,000 Gallon Winterizing Kit and receive 3 free additional 1-lb. bags Oxidizing Shock & Swim.

Visit PoolGear Plus today and take advantage of the great savings!

This post sponsored by PoolGearPlus.

Tips on Winterizing Your Pool

It's hard to believe, but summer is quickly coming to a close. Here in the Northeast, many of us cover our pools to avoid digging out fallen leaves. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to winterize your pool. Here are a few tips.

• Inspect your pool cover for tears. Patch small tears using a patch kit. If the tear is too big, replace your cover.
• Balance the water chemisty. Making sure the water is at the proper levels will reduce the time it takes to re-open your pool in the spring.
• For above ground pools, store skimmer baskets, wall fittings, cleaners, solar blankets and ladders away in a safe place.
• Use old towels, foam pieces, and corrugated cardboard to cover sharp corners, abrasive decking, protrusions, and rough coping edges to avoid tearing the cover.
• Make sure your cover fits properly. Do not stretch your cover to fit over your pool. Your winter cover must rest on the pool water to protect it properly.

For more tips on how to winterize your pool, please visit PoolGear Plus®, the one-stop shop for discount pool supplies.



This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Keep Your Pool or Spa Drain Properly Covered to Avoid Entrapment

Keeping a pool or spa properly maintained is important to extend the life and enjoyment of it. One aspect of maintenance that can easily be overlooked is the drain. If the drain is uncovered,  or the cover is broken or improperly attached, it can lead to a person becoming entrapped. Without a proper drain cover, the suction from the drain can easily pull hair, clothing or body parts into the drain, entrapping the swimmer, causing injury or even death.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was passed in 2007, which requires every public pool and spa in the United States to be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) followed up with a public awareness campaign in an "effort to reduce child drownings and non-fatal submersions, and entrapments in swimming pools and spas." This law does not, however, apply to residential pools and spas.

Before you or anyone you love steps into a friend's or neighbor's pool or spa, ask the homeowner if the drain is fitted with an anti-entrapment drain cover. These covers are dome shaped in a way that prevents objects or bodies from completely covering the drain and creating a dangerous suction. When visiting a public pool, be sure to check the drain covers. If they are flat, it might not be the best place for you or your loved ones to swim.

AquaStar® Super High Flow 8" Anti-Entrapment Suction Outlet Cover

Check your pool's or spa's drain cover at the start of the season to be sure it isn't broken. Those few extra moments could save a life.


This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus®.

Fourth of July Sale at PoolGear Plus!

PoolGear Plus®, the Internet's #1 choice for discount swimming pool supplies and accessories, is having a 4th of July Sale! From chlorine tablets to pool chemicals, from floats to pool toys, from select maintenance gear to solar heating products, PoolGear Plus has everything you need to make your 4th of July pool party a blast!

Save 15% on select pool chemicals and select pool chemicals from Natural Chemistry®. Save 15% on select floats, pool games and toys, like this CoolJam Pro Poolside Basketball game. Check out the mail-in rebate offers available for their already low priced automatic pool cleaners.

Have you been thinking of purchase a spa lately? Be sure to take a look at their selection of Dream Maker spas available in a variety of sizes. An infrared sauna is a perfect way to relax. PoolGear Plus offers one-, two-, three-, and four-person sauna options to fit your needs.

Easy online ordering allows you to place your order any time, day or night. They now offer shipping via FedEx®. Have a technical pool question? Contact tech support via their website. PoolGear Plus makes it easy to take care of your pool or spa while saving you money.

Take advantage of the tremendous savings during the 4th of July sale at PoolGear Plus!


This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Create Your Dream Deck or Patio

One of the things I enjoy most about my gardening magazines and catalogs is the numerous pictures of decks and patios. The pictures provide me with tons of inspiration to create my own dream deck. I was working on it before I got distracted with the garden. Now that the plants are growing like crazy, perhaps it's time I got back to work on our outdoor entertaining area.

As you can see by the picture above, the area is kind of plain. There isn't a lot of room, so I'll have to get creative. One of the things I've learned during my years as a homeowner, however, is that you don't have to spend a tremendous amount of money to make a change. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to revitalizing your deck. Patio lights can create style while allowing you to spend more time outdoors. What would be really nice for us to add is a fire pit. I've wanted one for years. They're more affordable than they used to be. Surrounded by a couple of patio chairs and a small table, you have a nice sitting area that can extend your season. I also have an old fountain whose pump is long gone. I've been thinking about changing it into a planter, so I can add shady plants to the deck in a fashionable way.

You can find more ideas here.

Create the relaxing oasis of your dreams. Take time to consider the details. What can you reuse in new and creative ways to add your personal flair? Your deck or patio can be a great place to gather with family and friends. Your dream deck or patio isn't that far away.


This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus®.

Stay Safe While Swimming

Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? It's important to educate our families about water safety. Even though both my girls have taken years of swimming lessons, I still take the time to remind them of important safety tips for being in and around water.

• Never swim alone;
• Walk, don't run in the pool area;
• Don't jump on others;
• No eating while in the pool;
• Never leave the gate to the pool area open.

We also visit the Outer Banks each summer, so I remind the kids on our first day at the beach and numerous other times while there not to swim out too far and to swim where the lifeguard and their father and I can see them. Not that I'll be much help, I don't swim at all. I've seriously been considering a swimming class, because with the kids being such water bugs, I don't feel comfortable not knowing how to take care of them if they get in trouble. Which reminds me, I need to get recertified in CPR. I haven't taken a class in years.

Summer is a time for cookouts, amusement parks, and swimming. Reminding your family about water safety rules will ensure that you all have tons of fun in the sun!

This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus®, the Internet's #1 choice for discount swimming pool supplies, swimming pool chemicals, chlorine tablets, pool toys, pool filters, swimming pool pumps, automatic pool cleaners, pool heaters, above-ground swimming pools, pool cleaning supplies, and all other swimming pool accessories.

Listen to Tunes in Your Pool

When we were kids, we would have to carry our heavy boom box out to the deck to listen to tunes by the pool. God forbid it got wet. The only other solution was for us to drag home stereo speakers over to open windows and crank up the volume. Those days are over!

I’m not much of a technology person, but sometimes there are products that are too neat not to take a look at. The PoolTunes™ Floating Speaker by Swimline is one of those products. You can plug your iPod™ into the transmitter and have music while you entertain or lounge in your pool.

This floating speaker is waterproof to three feet under water and for up to 30 minutes. It has a three-watt full range speaker that is compatible with most digital music players with standard mini-jack output and has a rocker-style volume control. It also has a LED pool light with on-off control for nighttime use. The wireless transmitter has a range of 100 feet. This package includes floating speaker light, radio transmitter, three-foot stereo mini jack cable, and instructions. The speaker requires 4 C batteries (not included). The transmitter requires 4 AAA batteries (not included).
You can buy the PoolTunes Floating Speaker at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and Internet company in the US.


This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Pool Season and Safety Go Hand in Hand

When pool season arrives, we turn our attention to safety. The family hasn’t had a little one running around in a while, but now that our nephew is toddling, we want to make sure he’s safe around the in-laws’ pool. That’s why we’re considering either a Pool Alarm or Pool Safety Fence.

The Safety Turtle®Child Immersion Alarm Kit includes: one Turtle Wristband including a 7.8 inch locking wristband, key, and matching "baby Turtle" coding plug for the Base Station. The Safety Turtle will work in all kinds of fresh water and no installation is required. A loud alarm sounds at the Base Station when the Safety Turtle is immersed in water, and continues to sound until the alarm is reset. It’s not so sensitive that rain or a light spray will set it off, and the battery will last for three to four years. It’s also portable.

The Above Ground Pool Safety Fence features molded mounting brackets, along with molded caps and stainless steel hardware to provide an attractive finished look. Easy to install, the modular kits allow you to choose how much you need, without ending up with extra parts. The fencing comes in white or taupe to match any décor. The Above Ground Pool Safety Fence comes with a five-year warranty.

Keep family and friends safe this summer with a pool alarm or safety fence.

This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus, the fastest-growing catalog and Internet company in the US.

Lightweight Pool Float is Soft and Durable

I enjoy floating in the pool as much as anyone, but I don’t like the chore of inflating floats each summer, trying to find an easy way to store them, and then deflating and tucking them away until the next season. I’ve done it enough at my in-laws’ house that if I never have to do it again, I’ll feel blessed.

The Ocean Blue Unsinkable Foam Pool Float is an alternative I’m looking at. It is constructed of Ensolite®, an ultra-soft, forever-buoyant foam. No need to inflate. No worries over repairing leaks. And since it’s nice and thin (only 1 1/4" thick), storage won’t be an issue.

This pool float features a soft vinyl coating to prevent cracking and to make it more comfortable. My husband will appreciate the Ocean Blue Unsinkable Foam Pool Float’s size. It measures approximately 70" long x 26" wide. He’s a tall guy, so this will be perfect. It also only weighs 14 pounds. Even I can move that around easily.

The Ocean Blue Unsinkable Foam Pool Float is a PoolGear Plus® bestseller. This float is currently listed as one of their hot deals.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Save Time and Energy with the SmartKleen® Universal Pool Cleaner

My in-laws have had an above ground pool for decades. That's part of the reason I haven't felt the need to invest in a pool at our house. When it's hot and humid, I just pack up the kids and drive over there.

One of the other reasons I haven’t rushed out to buy a pool is the day-to-day maintenance involved. Out of all the required tasks, my father-in-law complained about vacuuming the pool the most. It got more difficult as he aged and his arthritis became troublesome. The year he invested in a robotic pool cleaner he began enjoying his pool more.

SmartKleen® Universal Pool Cleaner has a revolutionary lightweight design that uses very little power to operate. It scrubs and vacuums your pool floor and lower wall basin to reduce pool chemical consumption. It has a built-in pool pump and filter with a machine washable filter bag. This means no wear and tear on your pool’s pump and filter. The SmartKleen Universal Pool Cleaner features a 2-hour automatic shut-off and a 40’ power cord.

Think of all the time, money, and energy you’ll save when using this unit. It is ETL and CETL-listed to UL and CSA standards, and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

You can find the SmartKleen Universal Pool Cleaner at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and Internet company in the US.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Stainless Steel Fire Pit is Attractive and Sturdy

I have wanted a fire pit for years. Many of our neighbors have them. Not only are fire pits attractive, they help you extend your outdoor entertainment season. Early spring and late fall can be cool in New England, but with a fire pit, you can snuggle around, enjoy S ‘mores or cocktails, and still be comfortable.

This stainless steel Cocktail Fire Pit by Fire Sense is attractive and sturdy. The 30” hand-hammered stainless steel fire bowl sits in a decorative black steel base. This is complemented by a domed high temperature black powder coated fire screen. Also included is a screen lift tool and wood grate.

You’ll be ready to entertain long into the night with such an attractive fire pit to sit around.

PoolGear Plus® reminds you it is not recommended to use this fire pit on a wooden or other combustible surface or on any surface that is not entirely resistant to high heat. However, if you intend to use this fire pit on a wooden deck or other combustible surface or on any surface that is not entirely resistant to high heat, you must use a non-flammable and heat-resistant material such as concrete pavers, brick, or stone between the fire pit and the surface.

You can visit PoolGear Plus online at www.poolgear.com. They are the fastest-growing catalog and Internet company in the US.


This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Textured Spa Step Looks Great and Offers Storage

Most of time when I see spas, they are set up next to decks to make hopping in and out easier. I've even seen some makeshift stairs put together. Maybe that’s good for the kids, but what about the adults? I don’t want to kill myself getting into the spa and I don’t want the rickety stairs I’m climbing on to collapse. With wood stairs, you also have to worry about rot and pests.

This textured spa step from DreamMaker Spas is an attractive alternative. Made from durable, weather-resistant material, the texture makes it look like stone. Flip up the top step and you find a place to store your spa accessories. No more running out to the pool house or shed to find the accessories you’re looking for.

Available in sandstone and silver, this textured spa step with storage will blend well with any hot tub or spa.

The DreamMaker Spas textured spa step is available at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Add A Colorful Lighted Fountain to Your Pool

Our neighborhood is filled with families that have inground pools. We are sometimes guests at pool parties. There is one family that hosts us often, and I was thinking it might be nice to get them a thank you gift for letting us share their pool on those hot, sticky summer evenings.

This 3-Tier Pool Fountain with LED Light would be perfect. The fountain comes complete with a multi-adapter kit for easy connection to virtually any pool return outlet. Easy to install in five minutes, it runs on four “AA” batteries (not included).

What I love the most about it is its flexibility. During the day, you can enjoy the tranquil sound of the fountain. At night the state-of-the-art LED lighting creates a brilliant red-colored light show. I bet it would be fabulous in their pool. The way the yard is set up, they have an L-shaped inground pool that is surrounded on one side by patio tables and chairs. The pool area leads out to a beautiful, newly redesigned deck with lattice to provide privacy. Everyone in the backyard would be able to enjoy the light show from any vantage point.

The 3-Tier Pool Fountain w/ LED Light is available at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Clocks and Thermometers for Your Patio

Before we know it, winter will be a distant memory and everyone will be gearing up to spend time outside on their deck or patio. In one of my posts last week, I talked about sprucing up our deck décor. We’ve been in the house twelve years. It’s definitely time for a makeover.

I love reading on the deck on Saturday afternoons, relaxing with a glass of lemonade. I never seem to know what time is though. Yes, I could bring out my cell phone, but who wants to be bugged by a phone ringing in the middle of reading?

It’s high time I added a clock outside. Many of our friends have them, and I love how they look. I thought this Taylor Precision Products Mosaic Butterfly Combo clock and thermometer would match so well with the floral mats in front of each atrium door leading into the house. This 14” poly/resin clock is made to withstand the elements.

If I decided to give the deck a more elegant look, I might opt for the Taylor Precision Products Copper Finish Clock that also includes a thermometer. Made of injection molded resin with a painted copper finish, it features quartz clock instruments. The glass lens prevents clouding and it has a fade resistant dial, all enclosed in a weather resistant housing.

PoolGear Plus® offers these and other styles of clocks and thermometers for your patio or deck. Visit them online at www.poolgear.com to view their full selection. PoolGear Plus is the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Eliminate Foam from Your Spa or Hot Tub

The last thing one wants to find in her spa or hot tub--especially when she’s entertaining--is foam build-up. Perspiration, dead skin cells, deodorant, skin lotions, and the residue and dirt from bathing suits, can all build up and cause unsightly foam that will eventually leave the water cloudy.

While it’s important to make sure you’re as clean as possible before stepping into your spa or hot tub, there are also products that can eliminate foam build-up quickly and easily. Just three ounces of Spa Choice® Foam Free added to the foamy area will get rid of that unsightly foam.

We have a fountain on our deck that had the same issue. I didn’t use the fountain last year because of the build-up. Since it can also work for fountains, I’m going to try Spa Choice Foam Free and enjoy the sound of rushing water while reading or grilling this summer. The thought of using it again makes me want to spruce up my deck décor and add containers of flowers to make it a special place.

Spa Choice Foam Free is sold in pint or quart bottles from PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US.

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Solid Wood Dart Cabinet Set Adds Elegance to Your Game Room

The hubby and I are in the process of considering what would be the best way to finish off the basement. We have ample space, and we’re thinking it would be easiest to spend most of our time entertaining there once the remodel is complete. In talking with the contractor and architect, we’ve decided it’s a large enough space for an open room that is divided into an area for the kids and an area for the adults.

What I thought would go nicely with the flat screen TV and the bar, would be this Solid Wood Dart Cabinet Set. This attractive, high-quality cabinet is made of 1/2 inch thick North American yellow poplar hardwood that is stained with a beautiful dark cherry finish. I’ve always loved the look of dark cherry, and it would provide a nice contrast against the light colored walls.

Open the doors and you’ll find a regulation 18.5 Inch Bristle Dart Board with removable ring to ensure the long life of your board, two pub-style chalk scoreboards for playing cricket and 01, and two sets of steel tip brass darts with American Flag and British Flag flights.

This stylish cabinet stores and protects the board when not in use, and keeps stray tips from damaging your walls during play. On the inside of the doors you’ll find a place to store chalk and darts.

I can just imagine the fun we’ll have with our friends the first night we’re able to entertain in our new room.

You can find this Solid Wood Dart Cabinet Set at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US.

Dartboard Cabinet Dimensions: 25.5'' H x 22'' W x 3.5'' D

This post sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

Enjoy Your Spa with the Super-Soft Spa Pillow with Suction Cup

Part of my nightly routine includes a nice soak in the tub with a good book. But there are times, like last night, when I finish working later than usual and I’m more interested in relaxing than reading. I polished off a chapter of my book and lay back for a bit.

We have a Jacuzzi® tub, so it’s more comfortable to relax in, but the back is still cold and hard. I’ve tried spa pillows before, but they slide around and I spend more time trying to keep the pillow where it belongs than enjoying my soak. That won’t be a problem anymore with the Super-Soft® Spa Pillow with Suction Cup.

This spa pillow has a soft, cushioned inside to provide the ultimate in head and neck comfort. Made of easy-to-clean, closed-cell, vinyl-coated foam—the same material used in pool floats and bleacher cushions—you’ll take pleasure in a peaceful spa experience as your head and neck are cradled in luxurious comfort. The exclusive E-Z off suction cup ensures this spa pillow stays where it belongs and also allows for easy removal.

Available in white, black, grey, bronze and aquamarine, you’ll find a Super-Soft Spa Pillow to match your bath or spa décor.

You’ll find the Super-Soft Spa Pillow at PoolGear Plus®, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the US. They are your one-stop information center on the care of pools and spas.

This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus.

SPAroma Spa Fragrances Benefit You and Your Spa

The history of aromatherapy is believed to go back a thousand years, but it wasn't until the 20th century that this word cropped up in modern language. Aromatherapy--the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being--has impacted many products: shampoos, lotions, and candles to name a few.

As I mentioned in my first Taking Time for Mom Thursdays feature, a relaxing bath is part of my nighttime routine. If I don't soak in the tub for an hour or so each night, I have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. When we built the house, we installed a Jacuzzi® tub so I would have more room to stretch out. My girls like it too.

The one down side to using the tub so much is the need to clean it often. As a busy mom, I don't have time to scrub the jets every week. Looks like I've found a helpful solution.

SPAroma Spa Fragrances blend aromatherapy with the added benefit of enzyme technology to keep your water clear and maintenance to a minimum. With floral/fruity scents like Cherry Blossom, Citrus Blast, Florida Mango, Gardenia, Lavender, and Pear Delight, and a line of fragrances to make you think of an Island Escape--Vanilla Creme, Pina Colada, Forest Glen, Tropical Paradise, and Spring Mist--you're sure to find the right fragrance for you.

These time-release capsules are convenient and easy to use. Drop them into your spa or hot tub and enjoy the lovely spa fragrance. The best part is you can use these capsules over again until the contents are gone.

SPAroma Spa Fragrances are available at PoolGear Plus®. A 3pk of any SPAroma Spa Fragrances is only $15.99. They also offer a Lowest Price Guarantee: Find a lower price on a same-item SPAroma Spa Fragrance and receive a 12-pack SPAroma Spa Fragrance Assortment FREE with your order!

Enhance your spa experience with SPAroma Spa Fragrances.

This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the U.S.

Summer Entertaining Will Be Here Before You Know It

I've been considering what furniture to purchase for our deck this year. We have a patio table and six chairs, but what I would really like is something sturdy that doesn't take up a lot of room, we can add for company. Our house tends to be the one the kids hang out at. I cook on the grill most nights during the summer, and when the in-laws and my son and his wife come over, I can't fit everyone at our current table. The problem is I don't have a lot of room. Our deck is 14' x 20' with atrium doors on either side. Smack dab in the middle of the doors is where the house juts out 2 1/2 feet for our living room gas fireplace. I don't want to block access to the doors, so it requires creative furniture arranging.

In addition to being a discount pool supply retailer, PoolGear Plus® carries a wonderful selection of outdoor furniture. I found this Patio Bar Set, including a rectangular table (74" long X 24" wide X 36" high) and 4 barstools that are 26" high. Durable and lightweight, the pieces snap together for easy assembly. I like that it's maintenance free--no cushions to tuck away or wash. It also looks like it will stand up to the wear and tear from the girls and their friends. Some of the little ones are only five years old, so I'm glad the table is too high.

The tabletop comes in Gray, Redwood, Taupe, and Portobello to match any decor. With the cedar stain on our deck, I think I'll go for Taupe or Gray to contrast against the darker stain. It would also match well with the cushions from our patio table.

Will you be updating any patio furniture this year? Do you enjoy outdoor entertaining during the summer?


This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the U.S.

Table Tennis Anyone?

Table tennis has always been one of my favorite games. When my husband and I were dating, we would play for hours in his parents’ basement.

Ever since we’ve moved into our home, I’ve said we needed to buy a table tennis table for the bonus room above our garage. I want to share my love of the game with our children. Now that the girls are a bit older (10 and 8) they have the ability to play, so it seems the time is right to move ahead with our purchase.

I like this 9’ Bounce-Back Table Tennis Table from PoolGear Plus®. This regulation-sized table tennis table features a 15mm thick MDF wood playing surface coated on all sides with PVC laminate, 1.25" powder-coated steel tube legs, and a clamp-down net with metal net posts. The 2” durable wheels feature safety-locks, so you don’t have to worry about the table moving during play or rolling over anyone’s toes. This table tennis table comes with corner pads that protect it from damage. In addition to playing singles or doubles, you can fold it up into the playback position to practice by yourself. You don't even need to remove the net when you practice.

What I like best about this table is that it folds for easy storage and has plastic casters to make moving it easy. That means I can tuck it into the alcove so I don’t need to worry about it taking up space when it’s not in use.

The 9’ Bounce-Back Table Tennis Table includes two table tennis paddles and two ping pong balls in a handy storage bag that hooks onto the table so you can play any time the mood strikes you.

Some assembly is required and this product comes with a 90-day limited warranty.

Table tennis anyone?


This post is sponsored by PoolGear Plus, the fastest-growing catalog and internet company in the U.S.